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India’s first begger free city

In the wake of eradicating poverty and hardships from the root of our country, the city of nawabs, “Hyderabad” recently took an initiative to break off the old age tradition of begging in our country. According to a recent survey, as much as 20% of Indian population is relying upon begging for survival. Also, Hyderabad estimates around 13000 beggars in the city from which about half of them are dependent upon begging to meet their basic needs of life.

This year Hyderabad is organizing Global Entrepreneurship Summitfrom 28-30 November inviting Ivanka Trump, daughter of US president, Donald Trump as it’s guest of honor. Consequently, authorities in Hyderabad took a decision of banning begging in the city and implementing it boldly. Authorities have started disposing off hundreds of beggars from the streets of Hyderabad and sending them to newly built shelters with clean clothes, a shower and a bed. Considering the hardships faced during the vehicular movement and for the pedestrians due to the activities of begging, Hyderabad City Police Commissioner M Mahendar Reddy passed an order for the beggars , warning them not to continue this practice of begging. If found doing so, they’ll be sent to jail.

As quoted by ANI, the notice read, “It has come to my notice through the public that many beggars are begging alms in an indecent manner. They are also employing children and handicapped persons to solicit or receive alms at the main junctions of the road. Such acts are causing annoyance and awkwardness by exposing in an indecent manner to divert the attention of the vehicular traffic as well as pedestrians and public, in general, to induce them to give alms. These acts are dangerous to the safety of the vehicular traffic and public in general.”

Considering the hazards of begging stated above, it is must that we carry forward this initiative of begging ban to other parts of our country. Also, our high profile officers need to realize that such decisions should come more out of self motivation to bring a change for good rather than pleasing any foreign guest. If begging ban is successfully imposed in all the states and union territories of our country, poverty will decline at a very significant rate making poor more responsible to work and earn.

‘Never stand begging for that which you have the power to earn’ – Miguel de Cervantes